This page last updated at 5:55 p.m. on Monday, February 23
Berkshire County — On Monday, February 23, Governor Healey lifted the blizzard state of emergency for Berkshire County, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties.
Previous updates below:
At a storm briefing from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s bunker, Governor Maura Healey announced on Sunday, February 22 at 1 p.m. that she is declaring a State of Emergency due to the storm.
“This is a serious storm, and what I want to say to the public is this is one to take seriously, You know,” Gov. Healey said. “So whatever you need to do over the next eight hours or so, make sure you get out and get it done. Please stay off the roads for your safety and for the safety of the folks who are out there trying to clear the roads, keep power on, and keep people safe.”
She said that snowfall is expected to begin around 10 p.m. tonight, with snowfall reaching up to 18 inches across the state.
“There will be a strong likelihood of power outages and downed trees,” she said. “The last storm we had was drier, fluffier snow. This snow is going to be a little wetter, and since there is already existing accumulation in places, we do expect to see power outages and downed trees.”
Gov. Healey said that she has activated 200 members of the state’s National Guard to be ready to assist with rescue response.
According to various news reports, the region is expected to get up to 18 inches of snow, along with high wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour, through Monday night. This page will be updated as cancellations and other announcements come in.
Cancellations and closings
Berkshire Hills Regional School District, Southern Berkshire Regional School District, Lenox School District, have all cancelled classes for February 23.
Berkshire Regional Transit Authority has cancelled all service for Monday, February 23. As of press time, no announcements of service interruption have been made for Tuesday, February 24.
The South County Recovery Center in Great Barrington is closed on February 23.
The February 22 screening and talk back for BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions at the Triplex Cinema in Great Barrington has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon.
Municipal announcements
Pittsfield
Due to an upcoming winter storm, dangerous travel conditions and limited visibility are expected throughout the City of Pittsfield. Motorists are strongly urged to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely essential so plows and emergency vehicles can operate safely.
Parking restrictions will be in effect beginning at 7 a.m. on Sunday, February 22 and ending at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24. Residents are asked to use off-street parking whenever possible. If off-street parking is not available, residents may park on the street while following alternate side parking regulations:
Between 7 a.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Monday: Parking is allowed on the even-numbered side of the street.
Between 7:00 a.m. Monday and 7:00 a.m. Tuesday: Parking is allowed on the odd-numbered side of the street.
Residents in and around downtown Pittsfield are encouraged to use the McKay Street parking garage, which will be open to the public free of charge starting, Saturday, February 21, until Tuesday, February 24 at 7 a.m. for the duration of the storm.
All other existing and posted parking regulations remain in effect. Non-permitted vehicles are prohibited from parking or standing in any open municipal or school parking lot between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m. Vehicles found in violation of these regulations may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Great Barrington
All Non-Essential Services Closed
All non-essential town offices and programs will be closed Monday, February 23. This closure includes the Transfer Station, Mason and Ramsdell Libraries, Senior Center, Town Hall, Housatonic Community Center, and the South County Connector Transportation.
The February 23 Selectboard meeting will be held via Zoom only.
Winter Parking Ban Reminder:
The parking ban remains in effect. Vehicles are prohibited from parking along public ways in order to expedite plowing and sanding operations. Any vehicles found in violation of this parking ban may be subject to ticketing and towing at the owner’s expense.
Sand Available for Residents:
Free sand is available to residents in 2–5 gallon bucket loads, maximum, at the following locations:
• Courthouse – intersection of Gilmore Avenue & Anderson Street
• Meadow Street, Housatonic – near the basketball court
• Transfer Station – across from Monument Mountain Regional High School
Safety Reminders
Residents are reminded to:
• CodeRED: the Town will use CodeRED throughout the storm to share time-sensitive updates. Residents who use the CodeRED mobile app must update the app to ensure they continue to receive push notifications. Those not yet registered are strongly encouraged to sign up to receive alerts by phone, text, or email.Signup online at this link.
• National Grid: view and report power outages online at this link, text the word OUT to 64743, or call 1-800-465-1212.
The town of Lenox has declared a snow emergency beginning on Sunday, February 22 at 10 p.m. until Monday, February 23 at 4 p.m. Any vehicles parked on any streets, town wide, will be towed at the owner’s expense for snow removal purposes.
The town of Lee has declared a snow emergency. A parking ban will be in effect until February 23 until 5 p.m. Town Hall will be closed until at least noon on February 23.
The town of Stockbridge has declared a snow emergency beginning on Sunday, February 22 at 7 p.m. until Monday, February 23 at 7 p.m. Any vehicles parked on any streets, town wide, will be towed at the owner’s expense for snow removal purposes. Town Hall and the Transfer Station will be closed on February 23.
Egremont Town Hall will be closed on Monday, February 23.
Send storm-related announcements, including event cancellation announcements, to news@theberkshireedge.com
